As a local general dentist, we are asked many questions about oral health. We welcome these conversations because it gives us the opportunity to provide you with information about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During these appointments, we are also asked questions that arise from oral health myths. The problem is, if you believe myths that are actually bad for you, it can lead to further oral health problems. For this reason, we recommend that you visit our office with any questions or concerns you have. In the meantime, here are a few myths we hear on a regular basis and the truths behind them.
Myth #1: If your gums are bleeding, they should be left alone.
The Truth – As a general dentist, we want to examine you if your gums are bleeding because that is usually a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, so it is important to do what you can to prevent it and have it treated immediately. We can help by deep cleaning your teeth and gums.
Myth #2: The natural sugar in juice and milk is not bad for you.
The Truth – All forms of sugar are bad for your teeth. As a general dentist, we recommend that you rinse your mouth after drinking anything that has sugar in it and brush your teeth two to three times per day. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks whenever possible. If you have toddlers, be sure to keep this in mind, because many parents send their children to bed with a cup of juice or milk and end up with baby bottle tooth decay as a result. Stick with water instead.
Myth #3: Hard toothbrushes are best for your teeth.
The Truth – While it may seem like a hard toothbrush will give you a better clean, they can be bad for your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion and sensitive teeth. You have a limited amount of enamel, so if it is stripped away, your teeth could become sensitive and need to be protected with a bonding procedure or crowns. Instead, we recommend that you use a soft toothbrush or an electronic one. Apply steady pressure and brush in a circular pattern that begins at the gums and moves towards the center of the mouth. This will give you a good clean, but without the risk of erosion.
Myth #4: You can whiten your teeth with lemons.
The Truth – Yes, lemons can make your teeth look brighter, but the acid inside of them can harm your teeth and lead to erosion, just like if you were brushing too aggressively. It is unnecessary to do so because we can whiten your teeth safely in our dental office.
Given the wide variety of procedures we offer and our in-depth expertise, we recommend that you call our office to ask any dental questions that you have.
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